# Ziyuan 1-02D

> Chinese Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q134731570](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134731570)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ziyuan-1-02d

## Summary
Ziyuan 1-02D is a Chinese Earth observation satellite designed to monitor natural resources and provide remote sensing data from orbit. Launched on September 12, 2019, it is a key component of the Ziyuan satellite series and is operated by the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application (CRESDA).

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** September 12, 2019, at 03:26 UTC
- **Operator:** China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application (CRESDA)
- **Manufacturer:** China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)
- **Launch Vehicle:** Long March 4B (Y39)
- **Launch Site:** Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Phoenix-Eye-2
- **Orbit Type:** Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Power System:** Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Catalog IDs:** SCN 44528; COSPAR 2019-059A; NSSDCA 2019-059A
- **Classification:** Earth observation satellite within the Ziyuan series

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of Ziyuan 1-02D?
A: Ziyuan 1-02D is an Earth observation satellite used for remote sensing. It is designed to collect data on Earth's surface and natural resources while maintaining a Sun-synchronous orbit.

### Q: Who manufactured and operates the Ziyuan 1-02D satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). It is operated by the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application (CRESDA), a space research institute based in Beijing.

### Q: Which rocket was used to deploy Ziyuan 1-02D?
A: Ziyuan 1-02D was launched using a Long March 4B orbital carrier rocket, specifically the Y39 flight version, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

## Why It Matters
Ziyuan 1-02D is a significant asset in China’s civil remote sensing infrastructure. As part of the Ziyuan series, it provides critical data for the management of natural resources, environmental monitoring, and disaster relief efforts. The satellite’s operation from a Sun-synchronous orbit allows for consistent lighting conditions during its passes over Earth, which is essential for high-quality temporal comparisons of land-use and environmental changes.

The development of Ziyuan 1-02D by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and its subsequent operation by the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application (CRESDA) underscores the technical maturity of China's domestic space sector. By utilizing the Phoenix-Eye-2 spacecraft bus and domestic launch capabilities like the Long March 4B, the mission demonstrates a standardized approach to orbital resource monitoring. This satellite contributes to a broader constellation that ensures a steady flow of Earth observation data, supporting sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and urban planning without relying on external data providers.

## Notable For
- **Spacecraft Platform:** Built on the Phoenix-Eye-2 spacecraft bus, a specialized platform for remote sensing missions.
- **Power Configuration:** Features two distinct solar arrays to provide the necessary power for its high-duty-cycle observation instruments.
- **Orbital Precision:** Operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring the satellite passes over any given point of the Earth's surface at the same local solar time.
- **Series Continuity:** Serves as a follow-on mission within the Ziyuan series, expanding China's capacity for resource data collection.

## Body

### Mission and Launch
Ziyuan 1-02D (also known as ZY-1 02D or Zi Yuan 1-02D) was successfully launched on September 12, 2019. The launch took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center at 03:26 UTC. The mission utilized the Long March 4B carrier rocket (serial number Y39), a reliable Chinese orbital carrier designed for sun-synchronous and polar orbit missions.

### Technical Architecture
The satellite was manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). It is built upon the Phoenix-Eye-2 spacecraft bus, which provides the structural and electronic foundation for the mission's sensors. 
- **Power:** The craft is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays.
- **Identification:** It is tracked under the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 44528 and the COSPAR international designator 2019-059A.

### Management and Operation
Ziyuan 1-02D is operated by the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application (CRESDA). CRESDA is a space research institute located in Beijing, China, which has been in operation since October 5, 1991. The organization is responsible for the processing, distribution, and application of data gathered by the Ziyuan series of satellites.

### Orbital Characteristics
The satellite maintains a Sun-synchronous orbit. This specific orbital path is chosen for Earth observation satellites to ensure that the angle of sunlight on the Earth's surface remains consistent across different passes, which is vital for accurate scientific analysis of imagery and spectral data.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/zy-1-02d.htm)